Spring is here at last. After surviving the snowiest winter in Detroit’s history, flowers are now blooming, Eastern market is back to full force and streets are coming alive with bikers, joggers and walkers. I too am participating in these spring activities thanks to my wife finding the couch to 5k plan (as much as I tell her I am not a runner, she really wants me to be…). Jogging around our Midtown apartment has helped us realize just how many small shops and restaurants exist in Detroit. Every time we go running in a new direction, we always find a bar or restaurant we have heard of but have never been to. Because of these discoveries, I have been inspired to write my first ever “Top X” list instead of my usual post about current events in Detroit.
One caveat, if you live/work in Detroit and enjoy restaurants you probably have heard of many of these places—my article is more targeted at Detroit visitors that come in to catch a tigers game at Comerica or an event at Cobo. That being said if you have not visited any of these places you definitely should.
Without further ado, here is my list of “Top 5 restaurants in Detroit you’ve never heard of that won’t break the bank”.
5. Cass Café
Cass Café was one of the first restaurants I visited after making my move to the D from Ann Arbor, where there is a very vibrant restaurant scene. After my meal at Cass Café, I knew I wouldn’t be missing Ann Arbor restaurants too much. The menu at Cass Café is varied—I’ve had dishes ranging from char-grilled Ahi Tuna ($15) to black bean quesadillas ($7.50) to vegetable lasagna ($10)—but the variety does not hamper the quality of the dishes one bit. In addition to the great food, Cass Café serves as an art gallery and a live music venue. Next time your group can’t decide on Italian, Mexican or American food, give Cass Café a try.
4. Andrews on the Corner
I have only been to Andrew’s once thus far, and the service was rather slow, but I had the best fish & chips here that I have ever eaten at a restaurant—and it was under $10. I ordered the Cajun fish & chips off the specials menu and the freshness was immediately apparent (no “fishy” tastes/smells here). This meal reminded me of when my Dad would bring home his fresh catch and immediately cook it up for dinner. The fish was very well seasoned, only lightly breaded and clearly never saw a deep fryer. Very few restaurants take the time to pan-fry their fish and Andrews’ dish exceled because of it. The only criticism I have is that the fries were pretty typical fast-food style fare. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who loves fish.
3. La Feria
A new addition to the Midtown dining scene, La Feria adds Spanish Tapas to Detroit. Being relatively new, the restaurant is frequently busy. My wife and I recently went here for a snack at 9:30pm on a Saturday night and there was still a 25 minute wait…but it was well worth it. Our favorite dish was the Patatas Bravas ($4) – fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce. We also enjoyed their seared shrimp and homemade sausage, along with a glass of their house sangria (a great deal in my opinion at only $15 for a pitcher). I really wanted to try the paella they had on their daily special menu, but they had already run out. That will have to wait for another day, but I will certainly be back to try again.
2. Green Dot Stables
Once you discover Green Dot it’s hard to convince yourself to go elsewhere for a meal out. While it is located a bit off the beaten path, Green Dot is well worth searching for. “Gourmet sliders” is the best way I can describe their food offering and everything on the menu is $3 or less. Yes, even the drinks (including beer, wine and interesting cocktails). Make sure to check out the “mystery meat” slider which changes on a daily (maybe weekly?) basis. I have had everything from a duck slider to a rattlesnake slider and they have all been delicious. The only one I refused to try was the “lamb fries” slider (warning: only click this link if you really want to know what lamb fries are, and don’t say I didn’t warn you).
1. El Asador
Having been slightly disappointed with some of the food I had in Mexicantown, I was delighted when I learned that more Mexican restaurants were hidden a bit further from downtown in southwest Detroit. While there are many good, authentic Mexican dining options in southwest Detroit, my favorite is one of their newest—El Asador. Too new to even have a website, El Asador touts itself as gourmet Mexican food and they deliver. From the homemade salsa (be careful with the extra-spicy version) to the tableside guacamole, everything about this place reminds me of my vacation to Mexico where I took lessons with a Food Network chef. My first meal there consisted of one fish taco, one shrimp taco, one scallop taco and one lobster taco and the bill was only $12! Next time you are craving Mexican food, drive a few minutes past Mexicantown to El Asador and enjoy.
Honorable Mentions
I couldn’t in good conscience write an article about reasonably priced, amazing Detroit restaurants without including these four. The only reason they aren’t in my top 5 is because I feel they are too popular to be labeled as “restaurants you’ve never heard of”.
Slows Bar-B-Q—no further comment needed for this one.
Motor City Brewing Works – more than its name suggests, this place is a microbrewery and has some of the best pizza I have ever eaten (it was even featured in USA Today for its pizza). Try the “Mary Did Have”.
Bucharest Grille – located a 5 minute walk from Comerica Park, Bucharest is a pre-tigers game tradition for me and my friends. One quick tip—Comerica Park does not mind if you carry a Bucharest Shawarma (or 6) in with you. I never go without one. You can’t find a better meal for $5.
Hudson Café – Best breakfast ever. My personal favorite—the Mexican omelet with a side of red velvet pancakes.
Now that you’ve read my list, I’m very curious to know what you think. What restaurants would you put on this list? Do I have any glaring omissions or do you agree with any of my suggestions? Leave a comment and let me know!